Quote:
Originally Posted by OreoDJ
I ship out in 3 weeks and have been doing a lot of studying on different pathways through HM. I'm really interested in Independent Duty Corpsman because it's an excellent stepping stone for IPAP or any other medical program. I'm wondering how I can make my application for IDC more attractive. Any extra information would also be appreciated (personal experience, things to study, other medical programs in the navy, etc..) Thanks!
|
Just about anything is attractive for IDC School... just stay out of trouble.. study and pick up HM2 quickly, and never get a P eval as a third, in fact never getting a P Eval at all is ideal.. fight for NOB or MP.. pretty much it.
That Said most IDC will advise against IDC as a stepping stone. Contrary to popular opinion simply being an IDC does not improve your chances at being picked up for PA. When you apply, you produce a package that is reviewed by a board which takes many things into account. Your military career is a big part of what they consider, but the biggest factor that will make or break you is the Recommendation of the institution that reviews your college transcripts. These military commissioning programs are sponsored by accredited schools that issue you a degree upon completion, for example, IPAP graduates are awarded a degree from the University of Nebraska (If I recall correctly..). So if the University of Nebraska has concerns regarding your package, its almost a certainty you will not go. Doesn't matter if you're the hottest shit Senior Chief Recon IDC the Navy has ever seen... You simply will not go to PA school. I had a similar idea and had to learn the error of my ways as well. The best way into IPAP or a Medical degree program like EMDP2 is to go to college as soon as possible. Stay above a 3.5 GPA overall with a 3.2 in Hard Sciences over the course of your last year in college, and never let your grade fall.. if you barely pass a class brush it off and continue to improve your grade no matter what.. don't get discouraged if you're sub 3.2, you can survive this if you're in your first year. Having a 3.5 and falling to a 3.2 in Hard Science in your final year will hurt you more then having a 2.9 and raising it to a 3.2.
Also bear in mind CLEP and JST Credits do not count towards your package.. you need to take the actual classes. If you see an easy way to get a degree through some shady school that awards a lot of JST credits (Every base has one..) DON'T DO IT. Keep your eye on the prize and go through a school with a good name behind it that doesn't award JST credits and discourages CLEP. You'll see a lot of shipmates talk up these schools and tell you how wonderful it was and how fast they earned a degree! If you're serious about being a PA or even maybe a Doctor, you need to be serious about your education, and these schools are frowned upon and sometimes even disqualifying all together by the boards that review these packages.
60 Credits can apply for IPAP now, with work, and studying for advancement that should take you 3-4 years while active duty.
Good Luck!